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Tennessee Onions Recipe

4.8 from 72 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a comforting and flavorful baked onion dish featuring thickly sliced sweet onions seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then generously topped with butter and a blend of sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses. Baked until tender and melty, this side dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a subtle spicy kick, perfect for enhancing any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds sweet onions
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gouda cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the onions.
  2. Slice Onions and Season: Slice the sweet onions into thick rounds about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking. Toss the onion slices with Italian seasoning, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and paprika, then place them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Add Butter and Cheese: Distribute the cubed salted butter evenly over the seasoned onions. Next, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses on top to cover the onions.
  4. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step softens the onions and allows the flavors to meld.
  5. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This final bake melts and slightly browns the cheese, and ensures the onions reach your preferred tenderness.

Notes

  • For best results, use sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla to achieve natural sweetness.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
  • You can substitute the gouda cheese with another mild melting cheese if preferred.
  • Ensure the onions are cut to even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set before serving.

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, cheesy onion side dish, southern side recipe, cheesy baked onions